Step 1: Injury Occurs
Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE BEEN INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT?
A: Your safety, and safety of others around you, is the top priority. Contact emergency services immediately. Due to adrenaline and shock, your injuries may be more severe than you realize, and it is better to err on the side of caution. If you are offered emergency medical services, do not turn them away. Do not admit fault. Instead, focus on making sure that everyone is receiving proper medical attention. Even if you feel you don’t need an EMS, you may follow up after the accident and go to the emergency room or urgent care to be checked out. Sometimes injuries do not appear until a few days later, so if you feel poorly, don’t hesitate to seek the help you need to make sure you are o.k. It is also always good to see your own family doctor after the collision to be checked out and document any problems. Your family doctor is most familiar with your medical history, and they can make necessary referrals, such as physical therapy, x-rays, or an appropriate specialist.
Q: SHOULD I TAKE PHOTOS AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT?
A: Yes. If you can do so safely, it is a good idea. Even when law enforcement officers take photos, it is a good idea to take some pictures yourself. Don’t just take a picture of the other vehicle’s license plate, take a picture of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This number is typically located on the corner of the driver’s side dashboard and can be seen through the windshield.
Q: IF I’VE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, SHOULD I WRITE DOWN POTENTIAL WITNESS NAMES AND NUMBERS, OR WILL THE POLICE DOCUMENT THAT INFORMATION?
A: If you are able, then collect the contact information (full name, address, phone number) of any witnesses. By the time law enforcement arrive, potential witnesses may have already left the scene. Also, law enforcement officers may be too busy to collect the information of witnesses, and later it may not be possible to locate the witnesses.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I DIDN’T GET ANY PHOTOS OR INFORMATION AT THE SCENE OF A CAR ACCIDENT?
A: It is important to gather evidence and information as soon as possible after a crash. The more time that goes by, the more difficult it will be to locate potential witnesses and preserve evidence before it is destroyed. Contacting eyewitnesses and recovering evidence are reasons why it is important to contact an attorney immediately after a serious crash. At Arthur Law Firm, we understand the importance of acting quickly, and in the event that you did not get the information at the scene, we utilize private investigators to contact witnesses, determine if there is video of the crash, to take photographs, and document the scene as much as possible after the fact.
Q: SHOULD I HIRE AN ATTORNEY AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?
A: Yes, Arthur Law Firm has over 50 years of experience handling personal injury cases. We will help protect your rights making sure you are fully compensated for damages and ensure you get the best healthcare services possible.
Q: HOW WILL THE AMBULANCE BILL BE PAID?
A: Turn this bill in to your lawyer so he or she can address it. He or she may need to use your own health insurance or your car insurance initially. If there is no coverage available, your attorney will make arrangements for the bill to be paid at the end of the case. The car insurance for the person who harmed you will not pay the bills as they are incurred. See Step 4- Medical Bill Addressed.
